7 Best Hotels in Jerusalem, Israel

In the picturesque village of Ein Kerem, this boutique hotel occupies a century-old house famous for the true-life, Romeo-and-Juliet story of a Jewish--Arab couple. Named for famous lovers from the past, the guest rooms are modern creations with arched windows, diaphanous drapes, and billowy beds set against stone walls. The courtyard that once linked the two wings has been transformed into an intimate dining room where the chef creates new gourmet menus each night based on the culinary preferences of his guests. Surrounded by gardens, the Alegra has a rooftop plunge pool and a wooden deck overlooking the valley of Ein Karem. It's a 20-minute drive and 40-minute bus ride from Downtown.

Inside the Jaffa Gate, this guesthouse is part of the oldest Protestant church in the Middle East. Pinkish limestone floors and simple furnishings define the guest rooms, many of which have balconies. There's also a shaded courtyard and wholesome cafeteria.

On a quiet street, this small inn was built by the original settlers of the German Colony, and the creaking wooden floors attest to its European roots. The simple but pleasing rooms are great for couples, but if you're traveling with kids try to reserve the more spacious Gottlieb Suite. A kosher breakfast is included in the rates.

This handsome Ottoman-style mansion with dramatic arched windows sits on the edge of a residential neighborhood dotted with many shops and restaurants. Some rooms at this budget-conscious lodging are a little cramped, but all have nice touches like hardwood floors and refrigerators. Family rooms have space for up to five people to sleep comfortably. A room with vaulted ceilings serves as an inviting bar and coffee shop, and in warm weather the action spills out onto a shaded courtyard.

The small hotel makes no pretensions about being a full-service facility, but it is comfortably furnished, a good value, and within walking distance of the Old City. There is some street noise, but double-glazed windows help. Some of the rooms are more spacious than others, especially those for families. In warm months, enjoy plenty of outdoor seating for breakfast.

Tucked into an alleyway behind the souk in the Armenian Quarter, this guesthouse is a maze of stone buildings and tranquil gardens. It has beautiful views of Jerusalem's holiest places. The single rooms are very small, so reserve a larger one if space is important. Room 25 and 36 have their own balcony.

Pilgrim tour groups have long been drawn to the modest rooms and stellar location (a 10-minute walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher) of this gorgeous stone castlelike building owned by the Vatican and dating back to the 1880s. Most guest rooms lack TVs and are minimally decorated in beige and brown, but the architecture in the style of a French cathedral is rich with history. Enjoy a glass of imported wine and cheese at the rooftop restaurant, which attracts many nonhotel guests in pursuit of arguably the city's most remarkable sunset views overlooking the Old City. Rooms with balconies are available at an extra charge.